Steward
Contact:
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Directions:
Located on
Weistertown Road between Evans and Hilty Road
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GPS:
N 40° 27.427
W 079° 37.059
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Aerial Map:
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Drawn Map:
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Topo Map:
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Property
Description
This
28-acre reserve, shaped like a lady's shoe, parallels
Weistertown Road for about a quarter mile about halfway between
Evans and Hilty Road. The land slopes gently north to south with
two shallow ravines and is 90% wooded. When first acquired, the
reserve was surrounded by wooded property on all sides. These
surrounding buffer zones, for the time being, make the Walter
Reserve one of the wildest places in Murrysville. Although
small, there are some unique features. Two small white pine
plantations provide nesting and roosting habitat for hawks and
owls. A small intermittent stream is flanked by a community of
pawpaw trees, one of only two places they are known to grow in
Murrysville. A small meadow at the pinnacle of the property is
rich in summer and fall wildflowers and home to two uncommonly
seen species in this region - rose pink (Sabatia augularis) and
clammy cuphea (Cuphea petiolata). Not far from the meadow is a
vernal pond. A nice stand of rue anemone borders the stream and
among them are the only trout lilies found anywhere on the
conservancy properties.
Development of this reserve has been restricted to a circle
parking lot along Weistertown Road and a complete loop trail
with several connecting trails. The majority of the reserve is
in a middle stage of secondary succession with lots of blooming
dogwood in the spring. The new Murrysville Community park is
adjacent to this reserve (on the west).
Property History
One of the parcels of
land referred to us by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy was
a 29 acre parcel that had been a part of farm owned by Patricia
Walter's grandparents. Ms. Walter who lives in nearby Wilkins
Township gave it to the Westmoreland Conservancy as a beneficial
gift. |
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